Franklin Pierce University is a small, private, non-profit, regionally accredited university in rural Rindge, New Hampshire, in the United States. It was founded as Franklin Pierce College in 1962, combining a liberal arts foundation with coursework for professional preparation. The institutional mission focuses on preparing citizens and leaders of conscience for a new century who make significant contributions to their professions and communities, whether their aspirations are global or local. The school gained university status in 2007 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In 2009, Franklin Pierce University was ranked on "Forbes List of America's Top Colleges" in the United States. The university has an enrollment of 1,399 students and overlooks Pearly Pond, just a few miles from Mount Monadnock. The campus covers approximately 1,200 acres (4.9 km²). Andrew H. Card is the current president of Franklin Pierce University, replacing outgoing president Dr. James F.